Little Lever deaths: Mother and two children discovered dead at home in Bolton

Named locally as Tiffany Stevens, victim is described as 'brilliant mum' who moved to area two years ago

Police at a house in Arthur Street, Little Lever, Bolton, where they are investigating the death of a woman and two young children (PA)

The bodies of a woman and two young children have been found at a home in Bolton.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to the house in the Little Lever area, following concerns for the woman’s welfare.

The victims were named locally as Tiffany Stevens and her daughters Caisie, aged three, and one-year-old Darcie.

Investigators were “keeping an open mind” about the circumstances surrounding the trio’s deaths, the force said, adding that no one else was being sought in relation to the case.

A gas engineer was also seen at the mid-terrace property.

Neighbour Annmarie Crossland, 36, said she was first alerted when relatives were heard “screaming and shouting” in the alleyway at the back of the house.

She described Ms Stevens as a “brilliant mum” and said her own four children played with Ms Stevens’ daughters.

Ms Crossland added: “They were gorgeous little kids. Great, really nice. She would take them to the park and into Bolton. They were very friendly.”

Superintendent Rick Jackson, of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident and we have specialist officers supporting the family at this unimaginably difficult time. Our officers will be continuing with inquiries at the scene over the coming days and detectives will be investigating the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

“We are keeping an open mind as to what happened to the woman and her children and the investigation is likely to take some time. However based on what we know so far we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incidentI would urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency, as your information could be vital to this investigation.”

Neighbours did not know whether the house was rented, but said the family had moved in about two years ago.

Additional reporting by Press Association